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A review by jadziadax
Jeeves and the Feudal Spirit by P.G. Wodehouse
5.0
okay, because of reading a bunch of these in quick succession I'm actually seeing literary callbacks which is fun. Exhibit A: "And a few moments later the man was with us, looking so brainy and intelligent that my heart leaped up as if I had beheld a rainbow in the sky."
In the previous Joy in the Morning Bertie says Jeeves has told him his heart leaps when he sees a rainbow (Jeeves is likely quoting Wordsworth's poem "My Heart Leaps Up.")
And then on Anatole leaving "and going off to waste his sweetness on the desert air of the Trotter home." The "desert air" line of Thomas Gray's "Elegy" poem is quoted by Jeeves in Joy the Morning. Jeeves actually has quoted that poem multiple times throughout the series -- he must like Thomas Gray quite a bit. In this case, it's Bertie quoting it, so he must absorb some of Jeeves's quotes.
This is but two examples of a multitude of literary quotes and references and probably only some of the callbacks as well. I have no idea if PG Wodehouse simply had this all his brain or if he kept copious notes or what, but I’m constantly impressed by PG Wodehouse’s literary knowledge. Adding to that is the fact that these references are weaved naturally and hilariously. Also, I'm getting introduced to a lot of great poetry! (thanks, Jeeves!)
In the previous Joy in the Morning Bertie says Jeeves has told him his heart leaps when he sees a rainbow (Jeeves is likely quoting Wordsworth's poem "My Heart Leaps Up.")
And then on Anatole leaving "and going off to waste his sweetness on the desert air of the Trotter home." The "desert air" line of Thomas Gray's "Elegy" poem is quoted by Jeeves in Joy the Morning. Jeeves actually has quoted that poem multiple times throughout the series -- he must like Thomas Gray quite a bit. In this case, it's Bertie quoting it, so he must absorb some of Jeeves's quotes.
This is but two examples of a multitude of literary quotes and references and probably only some of the callbacks as well. I have no idea if PG Wodehouse simply had this all his brain or if he kept copious notes or what, but I’m constantly impressed by PG Wodehouse’s literary knowledge. Adding to that is the fact that these references are weaved naturally and hilariously. Also, I'm getting introduced to a lot of great poetry! (thanks, Jeeves!)